Call (800) 533-5343 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13598612

Tour Operator

Monograms

Offer

Offer valid through 12/31/2017

Duration

18 Days

Escorted

Escorted - No

Itinerary

Day

Destination

Description

Day 1

Quito

Arrive in Quito, where you will be met by your Local Host.

Day 2

Quito

Your included PRIVATE CITY TOUR showcases the Old Town, where colonial history still permeates the air, surrounded by beautiful architecture, and religious and cultural sites. One of the highlights is a visit to San Francisco Square, where you will see the La Compania church, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior. Afterward, visit the Old Town's famous hill, Panecillo or 'Little Bread,' where you will see the Virgen de Quito angel statue. Finish off your tour at a bustling Ecuadorian market. (B)

Day 3

Amazon Lodge

Fly to Coca and travel by motorized CANOE to your selected Amazon lodge, your home base for the next three nights. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Amazon Lodge

At the Sacha Lodge:During your stay, enjoy EXCURSIONS with a Naturalist who introduces you to the Amazon. On the suspended rainforest canopy walk your Naturalist points out many different species of vibrantly colored birds. Jungle walks show off the immense biodiversity and medicinal plants that have been used by the native cultures for hundreds of years. Visit the lodge's butterfly house, one of Ecuador's largest, and take a night walk or canoe ride with a Local Guide to discover creatures that can rarely be seen during the day! You will also cruise through the flooded forest in search of troops of squirrels, capuchin, and howler monkeys-and maybe even the incredibly well camouflaged 3-toed sloth. After fishing for piranhas, arrive at the Kapok Tree tower, perched 135-feet high. Get close-up views of birds as the sun sets on volcanic Mount Sumaco and the Andes. (B,L,D daily)At the La Selva Lodge: During your stay, enjoy EXCURSIONS with a Naturalist who introduces you to the Amazon. Breakfast is served early because there is so much to see and do! There are a number of activities, including a visit to the parrot clay lick, a trip to a local community, or an excursion to the observation tower to see birds and monkeys. The activity included will depend on many factors, including the weather and what you prefer to do. After lunch, try your hand at piranha fishing, take a nap, or read a book during the hottest hours of the day. In the afternoon, included activities consist of a canoe ride around the lagoon, a short trail walk to hopefully see pygmy marmosets, or visit the nearby butterfly farm. Included evening excursions will be available after dinner, if you so choose. Alternatively, many guests prefer to relax in the lounge with a cold drink or have a soothing massage in the spa! (B,L,D daily)

Day 5

Amazon Lodge

At the Sacha Lodge:During your stay, enjoy EXCURSIONS with a Naturalist who introduces you to the Amazon. On the suspended rainforest canopy walk your Naturalist points out many different species of vibrantly colored birds. Jungle walks show off the immense biodiversity and medicinal plants that have been used by the native cultures for hundreds of years. Visit the lodge's butterfly house, one of Ecuador's largest, and take a night walk or canoe ride with a Local Guide to discover creatures that can rarely be seen during the day! You will also cruise through the flooded forest in search of troops of squirrels, capuchin, and howler monkeys-and maybe even the incredibly well camouflaged 3-toed sloth. After fishing for piranhas, arrive at the Kapok Tree tower, perched 135-feet high. Get close-up views of birds as the sun sets on volcanic Mount Sumaco and the Andes. (B,L,D daily)At the La Selva Lodge: During your stay, enjoy EXCURSIONS with a Naturalist who introduces you to the Amazon. Breakfast is served early because there is so much to see and do! There are a number of activities, including a visit to the parrot clay lick, a trip to a local community, or an excursion to the observation tower to see birds and monkeys. The activity included will depend on many factors, including the weather and what you prefer to do. After lunch, try your hand at piranha fishing, take a nap, or read a book during the hottest hours of the day. In the afternoon, included activities consist of a canoe ride around the lagoon, a short trail walk to hopefully see pygmy marmosets, or visit the nearby butterfly farm. Included evening excursions will be available after dinner, if you so choose. Alternatively, many guests prefer to relax in the lounge with a cold drink or have a soothing massage in the spa! (B,L,D daily)

Day 6

Quito

Depart your Amazon lodge and fly from Coca to Quito today. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 7

Quito

Today, experience the traditional ways of the Otavalo people. With your Local Host visit Otavalo's famous INDIAN MARKET, full of textiles, clothes, vegetables, and much more. Enjoy the drive here, as it passes the often snow-capped Cayambe Volcano. The Ecuadorian Line goes directly through the glacier of the immense volcano, which is the highest worldwide point on the Ecuadorian line. Next, visit a local SCHOOL in Peguche to visit with Ecuadorian children. Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda before returning to Quito. (B,L)

Day 8

Banos

Journey south with your Local Host, passing the Avenue of the Volcanoes to visit COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, a highland zone protected since 1975. On a walk near Lake Limpiopungo, you will have the chance to learn about the typical vegetation and fauna found in the area. Enjoy breathtaking views of Cotapaxi Volcano, rising more than 19,000 feet. Next, visit a ROSE PLANTATION, where you can observe the cultivation and harvest of this important export and witness the exceptional beauty of the Ecuadorian rose. Continue to Banos, known for its famous hot springs that give the area its name. Relax in the mild mountain climate at one of the HOT SPRINGS at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9

Riobamba

You'll have time this morning to view some of Banos' impressive waterfalls before heading to Riobamba in the shadow of Ecuador's highest volcano, Chimborazo, rising over 20,000 feet in altitude. (B,D)

Day 10

Cuenca

An unforgettable TRAIN TRIP takes you over the almost-vertical wall of rock called the Devil's Nose. This engineering marvel allows the train to transit a zigzag path cut into the mountainside that ascends and descends more than 3,000 feet. Continue to Cuenca with your Local Host, stopping at the INGAPIRCA RUINS, Ecuador's most important monument of pre-Spanish culture. The ruins are located on a grass-covered hill once used as a sun-worshiping temple. Even before the construction of the Sun Temple (1450-1480), this place held important spiritual significance for the Incas. On a walk through the ruins, learn about Inca beliefs, rituals, and how they built the puma-shaped temple. (B,L,D)

Day 11

Cuenca

Enjoy a private guided TOUR of Cuenca, the third-largest city in Ecuador and considered one of the most beautiful. See the historical buildings along the Tomebamba River, the Todos los Santos ruins, the flower market, and the main square with the old and new cathedral. Afterward, visit a PANAMA HAT FACTORY and a POTTERY STUDIO, where you can learn more about the work of the local people. (B)

Transfer with your Local Host to the coastal town of Guayaquil, stopping along the way to visit a CACAO PLANTATION. Learn about the cultivation of the cacao fruit, harvesting, and the processing of this important industry for Ecuador. On to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest and most industrial city and the key to Ecuador's trade center. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore the city. (B)

Fly to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, board a yacht bound for NORTH SEYMOUR, an island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion, marine iguana, or blue-footed boobies that nest here. As you walk along the shore, see large flocks of pelicans in a dive-bomb feeding-frenzy, and one of the largest nesting sites in the Galapagos of the magnificent frigate bird. In the bushes you can see the males up close with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacks. Return to the yacht and begin your journey to the Finch Bay Hotel. (B,L,D)Special Feature:Named after the famous Darwin's finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Eco Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool, and beachfront access. All rooms offer twin beds, private restroom, and air-conditioning. Guests will enjoy boat excursions to various Galapagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town, and viewing the local flora and fauna.

Transfer to the lush highlands of SANTA CRUZ to a farming area called El Manzanillo on the edge of the GIANT TORTOISE RESERVE. Here, tortoises can be seen grazing year-round, along with woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers. After lunch, visit a local FARM where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared. Return to the hotel and perhaps spend time on the beach. (B,L,D)

Board a yacht bound for SANTA FE, where you will see the endemic Santa Fe land iguana and the large opuntia cactus forest. The beach area is covered with California sea lions, and the coastline is an excellent location for snorkeling with sea turtles. (B,L,D)

Today's adventure takes you to wildlife rich DIVINE BAY on Santa Cruz Island. Marine Iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds are commonly seen here. While some may choose to explore by boat, the more adventurous can take to the sea by kayak. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks as you cruise the tranquil waters. Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Galapagos' natural habitats and protect the area's famous giant tortoises. (B,L,D)

Depart the hotel this morning and visit the TWIN PIT CRATERS en route to Baltra. These great depressions of volcanic material were formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses, and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Then, fly to Guayaquil on Ecuador's Pacific coast and transfer to the hotel for your final night in Ecuador. (B,L,D)

Click Quote or call (800) 533-5343 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

Date

Description

Price From

Quote

January 03, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

January 10, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

January 17, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

January 24, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

February 07, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

February 14, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

February 21, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

February 28, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

March 14, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

March 21, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

April 04, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

April 11, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

April 18, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

April 25, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

May 02, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

May 09, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

May 16, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

May 23, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

May 30, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

June 06, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

June 13, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

June 27, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

July 04, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

July 11, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

July 18, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

July 25, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

August 01, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

August 08, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

August 15, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

August 22, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

August 29, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

September 05, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

September 12, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

September 19, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

September 26, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

October 03, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

October 10, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

October 17, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

October 24, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

October 31, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

November 07, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

November 14, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

November 21, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

November 28, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

December 05, 2018

Land Only Price

$7,219.00 (USD)

Disclaimer

US$ Price Details

Dates & Prices do not include air travel. Participation in this vacation requires purchase of the following flights from Monograms, not included in pricing: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-vacation air segments; or (2) intra-vacation air segments only, starting at $798. Required intra-vacation air segments: Quito/Coca; Coca/Quito; Guayaquil/Galapagos; Galapagos/Guayaquil. Air prices were effective on July 12, 2017 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your vacation, air prices may be higher.Galapagos package includes Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card ($120 value).2019 departures are subject to itinerary and price modifications. Details will be available in July 2018.